Lawsuit launched to protect lynx in Idaho

In Idaho, the Canada lynx is an endangered species that cannot be trapped. Unfortunately, no one told the traps this.

Three conservation groups have initiated legal action against the governor of Idaho and other involved state officials to end trapping that illegally kills the lynx, now a rare species in the state. The groups posit that the increase in trap activity state-wide is a direct threat to the remaining 100 lynx. A press release issued by the involved groups notes that in the last two years, at least three lynx have been unintentionally trapped.

“Trapping permitted by the state of Idaho is directly helping to push these rare, beautiful animals toward extinction,” said Louisa Willcox, Northern Rockies representative of the Center for Biological Diversity in the release. “This is a clear violation of the Endangered Species Act.”

The release goes on to note that, “The Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to kill, trap, harm or harass any endangered or threatened species. A government agency that permits such activity is also liable. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game can develop a conservation plan with measures to avoid and reduce incidental trapping of lynx and receive an incidental take permit. The plan, which would require approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, includes restrictions on Conibear, body-crushing traps and snares, reporting requirements, monitoring, and a daily trap check requirement throughout lynx habitat.”

Will it take one of our native fur-bearing animals plummeting toward extinction before Canada begins to act against trapping?

Add your voice to the many – and we can end trapping, before it’s too late.

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